In our efforts towards self-improvement and personal development we can make the mistake of thinking we can achieve all of our goals solely by using our own “inner resources.”

Aiming at achieving increased personal self-sufficiency is an important goal in the overall process of self-actualization.

To get to that emotional and intellectual destination, however, the journey will be easier and more productive if we can learn from the experiences and knowledge of others.

Effective personal growth is a skill acquisition process, and like any skill, it needs (in varying degrees) to be learned from others who have experience and information about pursuing this particular path.

Consider this comment from the Chinese sage Confucius, as noted in The Analects as translated by David Hinton in his book The Four Chinese Classics:

“I am not one who was born with great wisdom. I love the ancients and diligently seek wisdom among them.”

We do need to be selective, however, in our choices of the personal growth experts we will follow.

So make sure the author/writer you decide to use as a guide/example is someone whose words truly resonate with your personality, circumstances, and outlook.